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From the BTDC
Common Ground is a campaign blog series on preserving what makes Bernards Township worth protecting. Drive along Valley Road and you’ll find Pleasant Valley Park doing what it’s always done — hosting soccer games, baseball practices, lacrosse clinics, Plays in the Park, and summer evenings at the pool. But look toward the center of fields […]
Common Ground is a campaign blog series on preserving what makes Bernards Township worth protecting. When we stand on grass or next to a riverbank, Nature receives us as equals. Nature doesn’t care about our differences — our beliefs, our income, or our party affiliation. By preserving our green spaces, we aren’t just saving trees, […]
Hi, everyone! My name is Rebecca Bennett, and I’m so proud to be the democratic nominee in our district. I have spent my life serving this country. I am a former Navy helicopter pilot and test pilot and now, I am choosing to serve my country in a new way. I am running for Congress […]
We are approaching the 25th anniversary of what is considered to be the worst terrorist attack against the U.S., when 2,977 individuals perished, including 17 Bernards Township residents. I would anticipate you too can recall where you were as the tragedy unfolded, and most likely you know and loved someone who was lost. Maybe it was a family member, a close friend’s […]
Please join the candidates and friends for an evening of conversation and community. Reserve your spot using this link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mbseptember
Carol Groote may have deep, meaningful roots in the Midwest, but this BTDC gem considers herself to be a Jersey Girl through and through. Her political sensibility was born of an upbringing that spanned from Omaha to Chicago, then Iowa to Madison, Wisconsin. Carol is a proud UW Badger and met her husband during her […]
July was an exciting month for sports enthusiasts with the culmination of the 2026 World Cup. Considering Bernards Township’s designation as a Team Base Camp, FIFA presented 200 soccer balls to our community, which in turn were distributed to our local area schools. It’s our hope that the children will get a kick out of […]
Dave Ruhlig became involved with the BTDC with all his heart. He jumped in, feet first, by volunteering with the Hodges and Tompkins campaign last year, intent on supporting local candidates and strengthening community engagement. The father of two, who’s lived in Basking Ridge with his wife and two children since 2021, says, “I believe […]
On January 6, 2026, the Democrats took the majority on the Bernards Township Committee for the first time since 1938, with the election of John Tompkins and Brett Hodges.
Ana Duarte McCarthy (elected in 2023) became the first Democratic mayor, with John Tompkins sworn in as Deputy Mayor (serving a one year term), and Brett Hodges sworn in as Committeeman for a three year term.
Democrats Serving on the Bernards Township Committee
About Us
The Bernards Township Democratic Committee (BTDC) is dedicated to making our town a better place to live and work, and to solving local issues with transparency, balance and compassion. The committee is made up of a diverse group of conscientious and engaged residents: Men and women in our community, representing a broad range, among other attributes, of cultural backgrounds, races and ethnicities, religions, ages, education and professional experience.
We offer Bernards Township another option at the polls for a new perspective on local government. We are dedicated to bringing a balanced democracy and transparency to the Township Committee.